In the annals of history, few stories are as breathtaking as the epic tale of aviation's birth. It's a story of daring dreams, relentless determination, and unyielding courage. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the skies through the eyes of twelve remarkable aircraft, each with its unique story to tell.
1. Santos-Dumont 14-bis: Europe's First Flight
In the crisp autumn air of October 23, 1906, a Brazilian visionary named Alberto Santos-Dumont made history at Bagatelle, France. With his 14-bis aircraft, he soared through the sky, marking the first true flight in Europe. Just one month later, he set a speed record at 41.3 km/hr. His feat is immortalized in our Pioneers of Flight Calendar, representing the month of January.
2. Farman No.1: The Kilometer that Echoed Across Europe
On a chilly January day in 1908, Henri Farman accomplished a historic round flight covering one kilometer in a mere 1 minute and 48 seconds. It was a groundbreaking moment that signaled a new era in aviation. The Voisin-Farman No.1, his aircraft, graces our calendar as the embodiment of February.
3. Farmans HF-22 Scheveningen: Witnessing Aviation's Dawn
Close your eyes and transport yourself to the beaches of Scheveningen, the Netherlands, in 1916. Among the crowd stands the Farman HF-22, a biplane that embodied the Dutch air force of its time. Despite its challenges, this aircraft was a symbol of hope and progress, making it the centerpiece of March in our calendar.
4. De Havilland DH.9: A War Spoil with Dutch Character
In the midst of the First World War, a Royal Air Force aircraft, the De Havilland DH.9, made an unexpected emergency landing on the beach of Vlissingen, The Netherlands, on September 26, 1918. This British single-engined bomber became a symbol of cooperation as it was repurposed for the Dutch Army, taking its place as April's highlight in our calendar.
5. French Fighter SPAD S.VII: Wings of Neutrality
The First World War led to unexpected encounters, such as the SPAD S.VII, a French fighter that ended up in Dutch hands after an emergency landing in 1917. May in our calendar commemorates this moment, showcasing the Dutch-marked SPAD S.VII soaring over Cadzand, Zeeland.
6. Friedrichshafen FF.33: A Transaction Beyond Borders
During the turbulence of the First World War in 1917, aircraft like the Friedrichshafen FF.33L found themselves in Dutch possession after emergency landings. This floatplane became a prized possession, symbolizing Dutch neutrality and is a centerpiece of June in our calendar and July of the Artist Selection 2024.
7. Curtiss JN 'Jenny': The Birth of Barnstorming
After the First World War, surplus aircraft and pilots without jobs led to an era of daredevilry known as barnstorming. July in our calendar captures the spirit of this era, with the Curtiss JN 'Jenny' taking center stage, performing breathtaking stunts and flying through barns.
8. De Havilland DH.9: Open-Air Adventures to London
Imagine a time in the 1920s when modified bombers like the De Havilland DH.9 were used for commercial flights, with passengers sitting in the open air. August in our calendar takes you on a journey from Amsterdam to London in just two hours, a true marvel of its time.
9. Douglas M-4: The Mail Plane's Conversations
As the mail service expanded its horizons, the Douglas M-4 emerged in 1925-1926 as one of America's first mailplanes. September in our calendar captures the atmosphere of those conversations as crews prepared for historic mail deliveries.
10. Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis: Solo Across the Atlantic
On May 21-22, 1927, Charles Lindbergh embarked on a solo, non-stop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. The 'Spirit of St. Louis' carried him through 33 hours and 30 minutes of solitary flight. In October of our calendar, relive his historic journey.
11. Macchi MC.72: The Unbeatable Speedster
November in our calendar showcases the Macchi MC.72, the world's fastest floatplane. In 1933 and 1934, this Italian marvel set records that still stand today, a testament to human innovation and engineering.
12. Wright Flyer: First Flight Over Dutch Skies
We conclude our journey in December with the Wright Flyer, which, on June 27, 1909, carried French Count Charles de Lambert on the first-ever flight over Dutch soil. A gift from a sugar mill-owner to his staff, it was a spectacle that left an indelible mark on Dutch history.
Conclusion
These 12 posters not only capture the essence of aviation's early days but also pay tribute to the pioneers who dared to dream of conquering the skies. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of history, these posters are more than just decorations; they are portals to a world where innovation and courage knew no bounds. So, hang them proudly on your wall and let these pioneers of flight inspire your imagination. Also available as a calendar.